Home Window Upgrades: How to Upgrade the Windows in Your House

Once your windows are in good working order, make sure they look good and are equipped to keep out the elements. This section shows how to upgrade your windows so they are as good as or even better than new.

Painting the exterior
A new coat of paint on your window boosts its appearance and prolongs its life. First repair the glazing putty as needed and wait for the putty to dry. Use an angled sash brush to apply high-quality exterior paint or solid stain.

Tightening up
You can change a drafty old window into an energy-efficient unit by first installing weather stripping and then upgrading your old storm windows or installing new storms. These are labor-intensive projects, but they can save you plenty compared with the cost of having new windows installed.

As a prelude to weather stripping, you will likely need to make repairs to the window so it operates smoothly. Choose types of weather stripping that will seal well and are long-lasting; we'll show you the most popular options.

Storm windows need not be the flimsy, cheap-looking units that are so common. Old wood storms can be made more efficient, or you can install high-quality new storms that will earn back their extra cost in a few years of energy savings.

Window hardware is inexpensive and easy to install. It can improve your home's security and upgrade the look of a room to boot.